Classic & Vintage - parts for an old Columbia Chainless?

I am trying to restore an old Columbia Model O2 chainless bike for a historic site. It dates from around WWI era. It is complete except for saddle and one of the pedals has been replaced with a later period rat trap.

I can match the pedal to the remaining Pope pedal on the drive side (I need a left hand side Pope to match it).

I imagine any weathered Brooks leather saddle would work for the bike to be displayed in an exhibit but I think these would have come with a Pope model 11 (sprung) saddle or perhaps a racing seat (no springs). The bike has a leaf sprung front end and a telescopic shock absorber on the upper seat stay before bifurcating down to the rear fork ends.

If anyone has info, catalog or pics to share - or, dare I ask - parts - PLEASE let me know.

here are some pics....

Ask these guys, http://www.thewheelmen.org/forum/ they can be a little snooty, but hang in there as they are very knowledgable when it comes to antique bikes :)

Thanks ILB - I will check with that site.

Also try posting a wanted ad under the 'Hi-Wheeler, Boneshaker and Safety' topic on our Discussion Areas:

thanks i'll try that. The wheelmen site hasn't processed my registration yet.

just fyi, I emailed Sheldon Brown and he recommended a sprung saddle for this bike. I am hoping to find an old Pope model but may have to just go with a beat up Ideale or Brooks......

I eventually found an old brooks for this bike and will be installing it when it is removed from an exhibit in the fall.

Now i am on the prowl for tires - not sure of the size; i had someone measure the wheels and they are 25" across; the tires which are dry rotted read "Mohawk NonSkid Roadster" and have white walls and a red knobby tread.

Any ideas as to the size and where i could find some? They wouldn't have to be new, just in better shape.

Interesting - I just saw a very similar bike a few weeks ago at the Boulder Vintage Bike Swap. It had the same shaft drive and telescoping rear suspension. I don't recall whether it had front suspension. I believe it was a 1908 model. It was complete but the saddle didn't seem to attach like a modern one. It seemed to attach near the back of the saddle rather than in middle.

i have a pope columbia chainless and am interested. I also wonder if you have a # stamped under the sprocket housing, I think my is a model 59 .

You know you just posted to a 3 yr old thread?

You might as well post a picture now, or your bike doesn't exist.

He emailed Sheldon about his bike...

My columbia chainless